1

Why?:
There are ways to close spaces with buttons and rubber bands or custom aligners, but if you are going to have braces anyway, they are the easiest and fastest way to close the spaces, so I'm not sure why you would close spaces and then put on braces.
...Read more

Mouth (mouth) " n. Pl. Mouths 1. A. The body opening through which an animal takes in food. B. The cavity lying at the upper end of the alimentary canal, bounded on the outside by the lips and inside by the oropharynx and containing in higher vertebrates the tongue, gums, and teeth. C. This cavity regarded as the source of sounds and speech. D. The opening to any cavity or canal in an organ ".
...Read more

4

Pain is relative:
But the answer is mostly yes - there is some discomfort and annoyance - something has been wedged between the teeth and you have been instructed to leave it there undisturbed. Tylenol (acetaminophen) / advil and the like are generally sufficient to help alleviate the symptoms. Hope this helps.
...Read more

5

Orthodontist:
There may be other options for you such as lingual braces (tongue side of teeth), clear braces, or clear aligner treatments (e.g., invisalign). It is best to make an appointment with a licensed orthodontic specialist for an individual evaluation regarding your needs.
...Read more

6

Consider both:
Not seeing your problem, can't give definitive answer. Best to consult with your restorative dentist and an orthodontic specialist. Learn about all the options available to you, then pick the one that will give you the best bang for your buck. Good luck.
...Read more

7

It's different:
The spacers create room for placement of the bands. They do this by creating pressure and force on your teeth. That is their purpose. Once there is space to place the bands on, the band go on passively. You can expect forces & pressures & some soreness throughout your orthodontic treatment. That's how the teeth are moved. Many of us including myself have gone through it. It's intermittent & not bad.
...Read more

8

Mild discomfort:
Only mild discomfort or sensitivity is expected after the placement of spacers or braces. Medications such as Tylenol (acetaminophen) or Advil usually control this discomfort. You should continue normal brushing and flossing around the spacers and braces. Take care.
...Read more

9

Need:
For many of my patients, I do not need spacers, as I will not require the space to place a band. Modern orthodontics more and more uses a fully bonded appliance: no ring to go around a back tooth unless I need it for a special situation. Be happy if you do not get them, as your braces will be smaller and easier to clean.
...Read more

12

Fix cavities first:
You can, but fix cavities first, then spacers. If your orthodontist doesn't tell you to get your cavities fixed before putting on your spacers, get a different orthodontist. Every orthodontist will have you sign a dentist's clearance saying that your cavities are fixed and promise to keep regular checkups and cleanings with your dentist. Good luck and congratulations.
...Read more

13

Spacers/ Molar pain:
It is very normal and typical for your molars to be tender after placement of spacers. The spacers are actually moving your teeth ever so slightly to create room for the molar bands. Good question.
...Read more

14

Pain meds:
I assume by "spacers" you mean small plastic donuts or metal springs between teeth to move them apart far enough for placement of orthodontic metal bands. If so, take 1 200mg advil/motrin/ibuprofen 4x/day w food or copious liquids, and rinse 4x/day w 1 tsp salt in 8oz warm water. Discomfort should ease off in a day or two.
...Read more

15

Absolutely not:
Spacers make room between teeth for placement of metal bands on back teeth. Braces ; wires align teeth. At 37 the 2 halves of your upper jaw have fused to each other ; to the other bones in your skull. Palatial expansion therefore mandates an expansion appliance + jaw surgery. See a qualified orthodontic specialist and inquire about "sarp.".
...Read more

16

You will live :):
It isn't bad. Your orthodontist will know better but sometimes, when we deal with teeth that are compromised, we remove them and close the spaces to help the patient with reducing their compromised teeth (or having one less thing to worry about throughout life). removing 4 molars for braces purposes is not that common. Some schools do advocate them though in certain cases.
...Read more

17

Requires attention:
If the 'spacer' is a separator, it could be lodged below the gums and create significant pain. Otc meds are a temporary measure only. Call to schedule an emergency appointment with the doctor who placed the spacer immediately.
...Read more

18

Molar bands:
Tooth movement with braces uses many different types of brackets and bands, etc. When bands need to be placed on the molars it may indicate that stronger anchorage is needed to more involved tooth realignment, or access may be an issue. Whatever the reason it should not make it more difficult to eat as the bands do not involve the chewing surfaces of the teeth.
...Read more

19

Orthodontic Records:
The process of getting your braces will be different depending on the type of orthodontic treatment you are getting. However, before any orthodontic treatment the X-rays, photos and impressions for stone study models of your teeth are done. Your orthodontist will plan your treatment using these records. Good luck.
...Read more

Spacers:
You are feeling the discomfort of the spacers (separators) usually used to prepare the back teeth for wrap around rings (bands). These can be extremely uncomfortable for anyone, but particularly for adults. One or two tablets of Ibuprofen (advil, motrin, nuprin, (ibuprofen) or a generic) taken at 6 hour intervals, just for a few days, and most especially before bedtime, works great.
...Read more

25

Call orthodontist:
Follow the instructions your orthodontist gave you. There is ususally some pain after spacers have been placed. Ibuprophen will help with the pain. Soft diet until you feel better. If the pain is more than you think it should be call your orthodontist and talk with them.
...Read more

27

Prevent drifting:
A tooth may need to be removed due to decay, infection, or gum disease. The remaining teeth will move and tilt into the now vacant space, causing more complex problems with your bite that can contribute to further destruction of your teeth. A space maintainer will keep your remaining teeth in proper alignment.
...Read more

29

Not normally:
Spacers are used short term to create space prior to orthodontic band placement. If your tissue is very unhealthy, then there is a very remote possibility of a cellulitis, but not likely. You will get localized discomfort.
...Read more

They are used in orthodontics. The braces are put onto the teeth at precise anatomical locations, and wire runs through the braces and brings teeth into proper alignment. This is a very short answer for a very big specialty. Good luck!
...Read more

A spacer in dentistry can be any orthodontic device to hold space formed by early loss of a baby tooth so that permanent tooth has a place to come in. They are usually removed when the permanent tooth appears.
...Read more